How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. Hebrews 11:32
After everything that we know about Samson, it may be a little bit shocking to learn that he is listed as one of the people listed in what is often known as the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, where a number of people from Scripture were commended for their faith. After all, Samson often lived unfaithfully to God, often disobeying God’s calling on his life. Yet, despite all of these things, Samson made the list of faithful people in Hebrews 11:32.
Although we may question Samson’s inclusion in the hall of faith, we cannot deny the truth that his name is there in Hebrews 11:32, which says, “How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.” When looking for evidence of his faithfulness to God in Scripture, one of the places we can look is at the very end of Samson’s life. Right before he died in Judges 16, Samson turned to God and asked him for an opportunity to carry out his calling to help free the Israelites from the Philistines. God granted his request and honored his faithfulness, even at the very end of his life. God was more concerned with Samson’s present faithfulness than his past mistakes. This inclusion in the hall of faith is good news. It serves as an encouragement to all of us, and it shows us that no one is too late to turn to God and begin living faithfully.
My friend, if you are thinking right now that it is too late for you to turn to God and live faithfully, look no further than Samson’s story. Just like God gave Samson a fresh opportunity to live faithfully and honored his faith, he does the same thing for us. God offers each one of us new opportunities every single day to live faithfully, and He honors that faith when we do. So, turn to God today, choose to live a life of faith beginning right now.
Regardless of where you have been and what your story is, you can commit to living faithfully today. Take some time to commit to living a life of faithfulness, starting now. Ask God for help and wisdom to help you as you make this commitment. If you have something holding you back, get into one of our Living Free classes online or in person. Don’t let your life be ruined by sin; instead, reach out for help.
Read Hebrews 11:32-40 (NLT)
How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death.
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
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